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The mayor’s office confirmed the report, handing over email exchanges to local outlet Action News Jax that further fuel the controversy. The email from General Counsel Michael Fackler stated, “The Office of General Counsel advises JSO to not enforce Chapter 605, Jacksonville Municipal Code, while the federal court’s injunction of Fla. Stat. SS 811.102-103 is in place. A copy of the federal injunction is attached.”
It didn’t stop there. The message also advised the sheriff’s office not to enforce state-level immigration law, adding that doing so would be a violation of a federal court injunction. Yet ironically, the same email encouraged cooperation with federal immigration authorities, creating a confusing and controversial double standard.
Even more shocking was the mayor’s attempt to brush off the uproar. Her office told Action News Jax that the directive was merely “legal advice,” insisting that the General Counsel does not control the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. “The Office of General Counsel represents the entire Consolidated Government and has repeatedly raised concerns that the local ordinance is redundant to the state law that is now blocked by a federal court. This is simply legal guidance offered by the General Counsel to another independent entity to avoid lawsuits being filed against the city,” the statement read.
But critics aren’t buying it.
With Florida leading the national effort to secure borders and uphold the rule of law, Mayor Deegan’s actions are being seen by many as an outright betrayal of both her city and her state. Conservative leaders say this isn’t just about policy—it’s about undermining the public trust and giving a green light to chaos.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, for its part, appears unmoved by the political maneuvering. A spokesperson told Action News Jax that it “will continue to enforce federal, state and local laws.”
Still, the incident raises serious concerns about the growing divide between local Democrat leaders and state officials under Governor DeSantis’ administration. As Florida pushes forward with its aggressive stance against illegal immigration, Jacksonville’s mayor may have just drawn a line in the sand—one that voters and law enforcement won’t soon forget.
